This paper addresses the problem of collaborative analysis in a distributed setting via a network security application. Network security analysis often requires accurate and timely results, which is very challenging to achieve in large dynamic networks with a single user. To address this issue, the authors design and develop a collaborative detection mechanism for complex intrusion detection applications. They also establish a set of collaboration guidelines for team coordination with distributed visualization tools. These collaboration guidelines cover the designs of coordination roles, workflow, collaborative environments and human computer interactions.